17/10/2026  9.00 - 13.15  Dockens Water path and North side. Path and Hide check. Usual bramble, trip hazard and fallen branch material removed. 

No significant issues. Tree down on the right-hand verge of the western path although not impacting access. Trimming of the remaining willow on the bank in front of the Viewing Platform needed to fully open the sight lines.

Sightings:

• Brenda, Kevin and team bird-ringing from Lapwing Hide.
• Goosander, Shoveler, Pochard numbers appear to be increasing gradually
• At least 5 Great White Egret, along with Herons and a few Little Egret around Ibsley
• Red Kite seen flying from one of the small islands near the western shore - ? the location of the deer carcass attracting the WTE earlier in the week.
• Little Gull seen on Ibsley.
• No WTE seen or reported this morning.

Reserve busy this morning and numbers of visitors using the Hanson Plant and north side hides increasing. Numbers of our regular Blashford Birders/Winter Visitors appear to be increasing probably in anticipation of the winter migrant arrivals.